Stephen Uppal has announced that he is to leave Hollyoaks after more than two years in the role of Ravi Roy.

The actor revealed the news on Twitter this evening, confirming that he made his decision to bow out from the Channel 4 soap some time ago.

Addressing his online followers, Uppal said: "Only 6 more episodes left to shoot - wow the time has flown by!"

After receiving messages from surprised fans, he added: "Sorry guys, yes I decided to leave a while back. I've had a good time but always wanted to leave after a few years. Bye bye Ravi Roy!"

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Uppal's news comes a week after it was revealed that John Pickard (Dom Reilly), Ashley Slanina Davies (Amy Barnes), Glenn Wallace (Malachy Fisher) and Garnon Davies (Elliot Bevan) are bowing out from the teen drama.

Hollyoaks has also announced a number of other cast departures this year, with some regulars choosing to leave of their own accord and others being written out following the arrival of new producer Paul Marquess.